Srinagar: Congress leader Pawan Khera on Sunday criticized the BJP-led Central government for failing to control terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, accusing it of resorting to mere “wordplay” instead.
Speaking during a chain hunger strike organized by the Pradesh Congress Committee demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Khera responded to questions regarding the ongoing anti-terror operation in Kulgam.
“In 2016, we were promised that demonetisation would end terrorism. Don’t be misled by their assurances… they lack the capability to govern effectively and only excel at playing with words,” Khera told reporters here.
He added, “There’s a new drama every day to distract us all. The reality is that the Prime Minister is unable to run the government now and will continue to be so in the future.”
The encounter in the Akhal forest area of Kulgam, which has entered its 10th day, has claimed the lives of two army personnel and injured nine others as security forces try to tighten the cordon around terrorists. Two terrorists have also been killed since the operation began on August 1.
Khera pointed out that more authority lies with the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir than with the elected government.
“If the current Union Territory setup continues, there will be many constraints. One has to work extremely hard with their hands tied,” he remarked.
When questioned about the killing of the attackers involved in the Pahalgam incident, Khera urged the government to explain how these attackers managed to infiltrate.
“The fact that they were killed is one thing, but how did they get in? We need answers. And how many more attackers are still at large?” he asked.
Regarding the sharp rise in US tariffs on Indian goods, Khera said that President Donald Trump perceives India as a weak nation.
“He equates Modi with India, but India is much larger and more powerful than any one individual. The true strength of India was demonstrated by Indira Gandhi in 1971. Trump needs to understand that India’s power goes beyond Modi, who is just the current Prime Minister. There have been many before him and there will be many after,” he said.
The Congress leader also condemned the foreign policy of the current government as a failure, noting that no country openly supported India after the Pahalgam attack or during Operation Sindoor.
“Can you name one nation that stood with India and condemned Pakistan’s actions? When neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh turn against you, what kind of foreign policy is that? Right now, the two superpowers—America and China—are both working against you, and Pakistan is exploiting that,” he stated.
